ATLANTA (AP) — Many people in the Deep South are not accustomed to protecting homes, cars, people, and pets from snow, ice, and bitterly cold temperatures. Northerners, however, have built certain tips into their everyday lives, such as dressing in layers and remaining calm if your car starts to slide.
Brock Carlson, owner of Let’s Get Rolling Driving School in northern Minnesota, advises braking much sooner than usual when approaching a stop, and easing into the stop in case of sliding on ice. He and other experts offer common-sense measures to guard against the extreme winter weather this week. Rare snowfall and unusually cold temperatures have covered New Orleans landmarks and beaches along the Alabama and Mississippi coastline.
Here are tips to survive the cold, snow, and ice:
**How to stay warm**
– Dress in layers to protect all exposed skin, advised by the National Weather Service.
– Eat hot foods and drink warm beverages, but avoid caffeine and alcohol to prevent dehydration.
– Recognize signs of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles.
– Check on relatives, friends, and neighbors.
**Protect your pets**
– Pets should be a priority in extremely cold weather as they can suffer health effects like humans.
– Never leave pets outside for extended periods; ensure they can quickly come back indoors.
– Newborn puppies, small dogs, seniors, and short-haired breeds are vulnerable to hypothermia.
– Ensure pets are dry before going outdoors to prevent increased risk.
**How to protect your home**
– Open cabinets in bathrooms and the kitchen to allow warm air to reach pipes.
– Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect outside hoses, and turn off water to sprinklers.
– Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
**Driving on snow and ice**
– If possible, avoid driving in severe conditions; take it slow and maintain extra distance from cars in front.
– Increase braking distance, and feather the gas when accelerating.
– If stuck, use a rocking motion by giving a little gas to move forward and repeat until out of the rut.
– Avoid over-confidence, even with four-wheel drive.
By following these tips, you can better prepare and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property during extreme winter weather.
In the frosty enclave of Moorhead, Minnesota, where winters are as harsh as they come, Carlson, a concerned voice of reason, issues a stark warning to all who dare to challenge the icy roads: “Don’t think you’re invincible.” Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the renowned snowy expanse of Fargo, North Dakota, Carlson knows all too well the perils that come with a false sense of security behind the wheel. “We have that problem up here — people who have four-wheel drive think they can do whatever they want.”
As the winter chill tightens its grip on the region, the American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a crucial piece of advice to motorists: be prepared. A well-equipped emergency kit stowed away in your vehicle could mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. From cell phone chargers to blankets, from ice scrapers to non-clumping cat litter for traction, the contents of this kit could prove invaluable in times of need.
Should the worst come to pass and you find yourself stranded in the unforgiving cold, AAA provides a set of guidelines to increase your chances of survival. Stay with your vehicle, they caution, as wandering off in a blinding snowstorm could lead to disastrous consequences. Visibility is a luxury in such conditions, and the beacon of a brightly colored cloth fluttering from your antenna might just be your lifeline. And remember, a clogged exhaust pipe is not just an inconvenience — it could spell the difference between life and death.
In the battle against nature’s icy grip, preparation is key. So, heed the advice of those who know the winter’s bite all too well. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: in the face of the cold, caution is your greatest ally.
